Nevertheless, South Africa maintained their resilience, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams once again emerging as the hero during the penalty shootout, reminiscent of his performance against Cape Verde in the quarter-finals.
Despite South Africa facing an early setback by missing their first penalty kick, Williams came to the rescue by saving two penalties, ultimately securing third place for his team. Although Mbemba had the chance to secure victory for DR Congo, Williams denied him, leading the shootout into a sudden-death format, from which Bafana Bafana emerged victorious.
After a thrilling AFCON tournament filled with suspense and excitement, this penultimate game provided a fitting conclusion.
Both squads encountered Morocco earlier in the competition, with DR Congo securing a draw in the group stage (1-1) and South Africa claiming victory in the Round of 16 (2-0).
In a stunning upset for supporters of the Atlas Lions, both Bafana Bafana and the Leopards successfully overcame the challenge posed by AFCON’s favorites.
No extra time was played in the bronze medal match, where DR Congo dominated despite their poor finishing in front of goal.
Silas Katompa squandered two glaring opportunities to give DR Congo the lead. In the eighth minute, he found himself free on the left with only Williams to beat, but hesitated, allowing the goalkeeper to snatch the ball at his feet. Later in the second half, Katompa had an even easier chance when Williams dropped a high ball in the box, but he shot wide into the side netting.
With fifteen minutes remaining, DR Congo striker Simon Banza also had a clear sight of goal but failed to convert his chance from point-blank range.
South Africa, having lost to Nigeria on penalties after extra time in Wednesday’s semi-final, appeared fatigued as they made only three changes to their lineup. In contrast, DR Congo took advantage of the opportunity to rotate their squad, making nine changes from their midweek defeat against Ivory Coast.
On Sunday, the hosts Ivory Coast will face Nigeria in Abidjan to determine the continental title.